General Counsel - FinTech

PAPEL Holding; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as General Counsel, where you'll lead legal strategies that shape the future of FinTech. This role offers the chance to manage legal risks, navigate complex regulatory environments, and ensure compliance with financial services laws. You'll negotiate key commercial agreements and advise executive leadership on governance best practices. If you have a strong legal background with a passion for innovation and a desire to make a significant impact, this position is perfect for you. Be part of a dynamic team that's transforming the financial landscape.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Discretionary Bonus

Comprehensive Healthcare

Qualifications

• 10+ years of PQE legal experience in TMT, payments, and financial services.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to FinTech.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal legal advisor, managing all legal matters.
• Advise on licensing applications related to payments and digital banking.

Skills

Legal Advisory

Regulatory Compliance

Contract Negotiation

Corporate Governance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

JD or LLB from accredited law school

Job description

Who We Are

At Papel Holdings, we're not just another Fintech company. We're on a mission to revolutionize the financial landscape. From innovative banking solutions to cutting-edge digital asset products, we're transforming how people interact with money.

Careers at Papel suit those who want to have an impact, who are comfortable getting uncomfortable, willing to take risks and win big. We are brave, laser-focused and have high aptitude, with a little playfulness for good measure. If you're someone who thrives on high accountability, possesses a start-up spirit, and flair for industry-savvy solutions, you'll fit right in.

If this resonates with you, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact and be part of something that's changing how we interact with money and wealth.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

As General Counsel, you will serve as the primary legal advisor to the company, providing Legal's commercial-corporate and regulatory leadership across all business functions. You'll be responsible for managing legal risk, navigating regulatory environments, and ensuring compliance with domestic and international financial services regulations and laws. You'll also be instrumental in technology procurement, corporate governance, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and the full suite of contracts related to product development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the company's principal legal advisor, managing all legal matters, including corporate, commercial, regulatory, employment, and intellectual property
• Oversee legal risk management and compliance with applicable financial regulations
• Advise on licensing applications related to payments, lending, digital assets, or digital banking
• Lead and negotiate key commercial agreements, including partnerships and vendor contracts
• Advise the Board of Directors and executive leadership on legal strategy, governance, and best practices
• Manage external counsel relationships and legal budget. This includes magic circle and local counsel in other jurisdictions
• Build and lead an in-house legal team as the company grows
  
  

Requirements

• JD or LLB from an accredited law school. Ideally in the top-20 globally by QS rankings or similar
• 10+ years of PQE legal experience, with a strong background in TMT, payments, and financial services
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to FinTech (e.g., AML/KYC, sanctions, digital assets, Travel Rule, data privacy)
• Experience negotiating complex contracts and advising on corporate transactions
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence at the executive level
• Operationally strong and also a strategic thinker
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Financial services and data protection certifications
• Ideally, prior experience at regulated entities and a fintech startup
• International legal experience and cross-border regulations; interfacing with notaries public
  
  

Benefits

• Competetive salary
• Discretionary bonus
• Comprehensive Healthcare